Speaking Event: Iran and the West - Will Rohani's Election Make a Difference?

When & Where

Dominican University - Caleruega Dinning Hall

Magnolia at Palm Avenue

San Rafael, CA 94901

September 26, 2013 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Contact

World Affairs Council

info@worldaffairs.org

415 293 4600

The election in June of the relatively moderate Hassan Rohani to be President of Iran surprised virtually all expert observers. His victory is being attributed to campaign promises to negotiate a relaxation of western sanctions, reverse the deterioration of the economy, lift irksome social and political restrictions and institutionalize the rule of law. But to achieve these goals, Rohani will have to build an effective coalition of Iran’s various power centers to include, at a minimum, conservatives, pragmatists, reformists and centrists within the Revolutionary Guards. Moreover, he needs the support of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in negotiating a face-saving nuclear deal with the United States. And the question remains: is the Obama administration ready to meet Iran’s minimum requirements for a nuclear agreement?

Dr. Zahedi lectures and publishes frequently on his native Iran. His broad experience in Middle Eastern affairs includes working for an investment bank in Dubai and teaching at the university level in Turkey.

This program is co-sponsored by the Marin Chapter of the United Nations Association.

Speaker(s)

Dariush Zahedi, Director, Berkeley Program on Entrepreneurship and Development in the Middle East